Say, I have a new electronic distributor, (351C) I am unsure how to install it in the correct firing position. I have the engine at TDC for cylinder #1.... the original cap and wires are in place, but how do I determine which wire on the new cap is #1 ? The new distributor came with NO paperwork.... am I missing the obvious?? Thanks for any help
Place it in appx the same position as the old one........ It really dose not matter where #1 is at on the cap.
Agreed!!! #1 is completely arbitrary when installing a NEW distributor, especially when it is purely mechanical advance (my personal preference). Just make sure to mark the dizzy cap so that you know where to start if you ever have to pull it out or have to replace plug wires in a hurry.
Good advice. Also, remember that #1 is at TDC twice. Be sure its the compression stroke and not the exhaust. (both valves will be closed) The shop manual for my '78 actually has a dizzy diagram showing the "normal" arrangement with #1 wire at the rear of the cap, by the alignment notch, IIRC.
Most caps, even aftermarket replacements have the number 1 molded right in the top adjacent to the original number 1 socket. If it isn't present in the one you bought, notice where the hold-down slots are. This is where the clamps snap on to hold the cap in place. Just start at one of those and count left or right the same number of terminals as your original number 1 and mark it with a Sharpie. Then just transfer the wires in the same order. Theoretically, it doesn't make any difference where you start as long as the plug wires are in the proper sequence but, if your distributor has a vacuum advance diaphragm on the side, indexing the cap in a non-original position might not allow a full range of timing adjustment because it may interfere with part of the manifold or some other accessory.
Insecure...... Hey, thanks for the information! I was thinking along the line of 5.0 Chero, but, I'm a modest mechanic, and felt unsure about it. Makes sense now, it only spins in one direction!!!! krehmkej,,,,,,I also replaced the timing chain and gear, so I know it's at TDC compression, the dots are lined up. Great support guys, I appreciate it all, David
